The suitor

He is coming on the feast

of Saint Valentine--

his choice, not mine,

of days for meeting

face to face.

The place, the day,

are both arranged

and so the suitor

makes his way

to me.



Time always tells,

and we shall see.

But this I know:

I am no one's thrall.

I will choose

to whom I give my hand,

my heart--

if at all.

(first published on January 25, 2009)